The BSMI Mark is Taiwan’s mandatory certification mark for regulated electrical, electronic, and information technology products. It shows that a product has been tested against Taiwan’s national standards for safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and, in some cases, energy efficiency. If you plan to sell into Taiwan, this mark is often the difference between clearing customs and having your shipment held at the port. Here’s what the BSMI Mark is, when it applies, and how to obtain it.
What is BSMI, and who issues the certification?
BSMI stands for the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection. It is the government agency under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs responsible for standardization, metrology, and product inspection. The Bureau administers product approvals under the Commodity Inspection Act, a law that has been in force since 1932 and is updated regularly to keep pace with new product categories and risks.
In practice, BSMI checks that products comply with the relevant Chinese National Standards (CNS) before they can legally be placed on the Taiwanese market. Products that pass are entitled to carry the Commodity Inspection Mark – what most importers simply call the “BSMI Mark.”
💡 Tip: The exact requirements for your product are tied to its customs classification. BSMI uses the CCC code (linked to the HS code) to determine whether a commodity is regulated and which scheme applies. Confirm your CCC code at early stages.
Is the BSMI Mark mandatory?
The BSMI safety mark is mandatory for regulated categories – electrical and electronic products under the Commodity Inspection Act, and without it you cannot legally import, distribute, or sell those goods in Taiwan.
Under Taiwanese law, the certificate holder (applicant) must be based in Taiwan. For imported goods, this is typically a local sales representative or importer with a registered address or place of business in Taiwan. Overseas manufacturers usually cannot hold the certificate directly.
Which products need the BSMI Mark?
BSMI regulates a broad range of goods. The most common categories include:
- Electrical products, such as household appliances and power tools;
- Electronic products, including IT equipment, chargers, and audiovisual devices;
- Mechanical products;
- Chemical products, including certain tires and toys.
Many regulated products must also meet Taiwan’s RoHS-style requirements, which limit hazardous substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE). Where this applies, a “RoHS” indication is added to the inspection mark’s identification number.
The three BSMI certification schemes
BSMI uses a dual-track system, and the right route depends on your product’s risk profile and how often you ship. There are three main schemes:
1. Registration of Product Certification (RPC)
The most common route for electrical and electronic products. The product is type-tested by BSMI or a BSMI-recognized laboratory, the applicant issues a declaration of conformity, and the product is registered with BSMI. Higher-risk products may also require a quality management system check (aligned with the ISO 9001 / CNS 12681 series) or a factory inspection. Once registered, products carry an identification number beginning with the letter “R” and can pass through customs without further inspection unless selected for random market sampling.
The RPC certificate is valid for three years.
2. Type-Approved Batch Inspection (TABI)
Used mainly for products where a higher quality risk is a concern, and for a smaller number of categories. The product is type-tested and receives a Type Approval Certificate; after that, the manufacturer or importer must apply for batch inspection each time before goods leave the factory or enter Taiwan. Products that pass carry an identification number beginning with the letter “T.”
The Type Approval Certificate is valid for three years.
3. Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
A lighter route reserved for certain IT equipment components and specific electronic products. It relies on the supplier’s own declaration supported by test reports and technical documentation, and no certificate is issued.
A DoC does not expire.
| Type | Vadility | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| RPC | 3 years | registration market surveillance |
| TABI | 3 years | type approval inspection on every batch |
| DoC | no expiry | supplier declaration for eligible components |
How the BSMI Mark looks
The Commodity Inspection Mark combines a graphic symbol with an identification number printed by the certificate holder. That number starts with a letter indicating the scheme (“R” for RPC, “T” for TABI) followed by a designated code assigned by BSMI. Where hazardous-substance rules apply, a “RoHS” indication appears on a second line.
The mark has no fixed size but must be clearly visible, durable, and placed prominently on the product, packaging, label, or user manual.
Step-by-step: how to obtain the BSMI Mark
- Confirm whether your product is regulated, using its CCC code.
- Identify the applicable CNS standards and the correct scheme (RPC, TABI, or DoC).
- Appoint a Taiwan-based applicant (importer or local representative) if you are an overseas manufacturer.
- Have the product type-tested by BSMI or a BSMI-recognized laboratory.
- Prepare the declaration of conformity and technical documentation; add a quality system check or factory inspection if your product requires it.
- Register with BSMI and receive your certificate and identification number.
- Apply the Commodity Inspection Mark, then plan for ongoing surveillance or batch inspections.
How much does BSMI certification cost?
Costs vary by product, scheme, and the number of models and standards involved. As a reference point, official BSMI figures put both the application fee and the annual fee for RPC at NT$5,000 each (roughly US$170) per certification, while a Type Approval Certificate under TABI carries its own fee schedule. On top of that, budget for type-testing fees, which depend on the product and the designated laboratory, plus sample logistics.
Because pricing depends heavily on your product family and applicable CNS standards, the practical step is to define your product scope first, then request a quote.
BSMI Mark – what to remember
- The BSMI Mark is mandatory for regulated electrical and electronic goods entering Taiwan.
- The certificate holder must be based in Taiwan – plan your importer or representative early.
- RPC and TABI certificates are valid for three years; a DoC does not expire.
- Check RoHS labeling obligations, and make sure your identification number and mark are applied correctly.
Certification and shipping run on parallel tracks – the sooner both are in motion, the smoother your market entry. Once your product is BSMI-ready, get a free quote with ShipHub and compare verified freight forwarders for your shipment to Taiwan.